The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1887-01-04

Hawaii is concerned. 1t has been one
of the most disastrous years to Ha-
waii, politically and morally. Polit-
ically Hawaii has refrigerated many
years She has been Ietrograding
for long time, but the year 1856 put
us back farther than ever before. 1t
is no use mourning over the past how
ever. we must face the future, the
past is done with; the record has been
irrevocably made. Our duty lies in
trying to make the future better.
The great feature of the year was,
the Legislature. The elections were
keenly contested and the Government
carried many of them by means of in
timidation and corrupt practices-the
revelations before the Lanai Commit
tee showing how such tactics could be
carried out in an underhand manner
The House when called together,
proved to be chiefly composed of Office
holders, who merely did the bidding
of the ruling power. A small minor
ity, however, though unable to pre-
vent much foolish legislation, was able
to protest against wrong doing and to
show up the corruptions of the Cabi-
net and its underlings. The unusual
spectacle was seen of Legislative
Assembly adjourning for fortnight in
order that its members might attend
to their official duties. The session
proved the longest on record, lasting
from April 30th, to Octobr 9th.
Twice during the session was there
a change of Ministry. On April 30th
the Ministry consisted of w. NJ. Glib
son, G. 7. Gulick, John NJ. Kapena
and Paul Neuman4 June 30th this
was changed and we had W. NJ. Glib
son, r. j. Creighton, Paul Kanoa and
J. L. Dare. And yet again October
18th, appeared W. NJ Gibson, L.
Aholo. Paul kanoa and Lot Kaulu-
kou This has even further been mod
flied, Antoine Rosa taking the place of
Kaulukou Not only have there been
numerous changes in the Ministry,
but there have been great changes in
all official positions, and men who for
years have served the country faith
fully have, without cause, been re-
moved to be replaced by the favorites
of the ruling power. In many cases,
VIGOROUSLY incapable men are at the
heads of departments, drawing large
salaries for which they do relatively
nothing The Government, which for
many years passed. has been con-
trolled by Mr.. Spreckels, broke with
that gentleman, and paying him their
Indebtedness, have contracted loan
of S2,0O0,OOO with a London Syndi-
cate. The results of this have yet to
be seen.
A great calamity struck the city on
Sunday April 18th. when a large area
and an enormous amount of property
was carried away in smoke, among
other buildings, the historic Bethel
Church being destroyed. Measures
were taken to feed and assist the home
less and destitute. But out of evil
has come good and Honolulu is rising
like a Phoenix from its ashes. The
streets in the burned district have
been widened and many handsome
brick buildings have been erected.
OF trade it will be better to speak
when the Custom House publishes its
tables for the year. Our exports have
been good, and in consequence of the
fire there have been large imports, es-
pecially of building material, but
trade has been dull and the value of
property has refrigerated. There are
large sums of money ready for invest
ment, but the lack of confidence in the
Government has made itself felt in
financial circles.
A change has been made in the.Ju-
dietary. the number of Judges being
raised to five, the new Judges just
appointed, are treated of in another
article.
The browning follies of the year
were the annexation of Ocean Island,
sand bank 1900 miles from the Ha-
waiian group, and the dispatch of an
embassy to Samoa When such things
can be done with perfect gravity there
is no doubt that the Kingdom OF
Opera Bouffe has indeed been realized.
During the year the King celebrated
his fftieth birthday and festivities
were kept up at intervals for fort
night; the amount voted for this pur-
pose was $4,000, but the expenses
probably exceeded this sum.
Ar improvement in the water sup
ply must be noted, the pipes have
been laid to the head waters of the
Nuuanu stream, and it is claimed that
the town will have an abundant and
unfailing supply of water in all sea
sons and all weather. Seeing how
much water was needed, this may be
regarded as marking 1886 with white
stone The Cabinet did not consent
willingly to the Improvement, the
Ministersof Interior had fairly to be
coerced into it.
THE FLANEUR.
''On doit touiours faner r.